Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Let me just say that the maple leaf shape of tonight's meal inspired many ideas as to what to call the dish. But, in my attempt to help people who are Googling their way through the interwebs looking for easy vegan kids meals, I went with the more boring yet descriptive title above. Tossed on the scrap heap were "Tofu for Hosers," "Baked Tofu, eh?," and "Tofu Night in Canada." Of course, these may only be funny to Canadians (and maybe not even then). Anyway, the problem I tried to solve tonight was how do you get kids to eat tofu? The answer? Make sure it doesn't look like tofu! A funky shape, some breading, and a good dipping sauce will go a long way. I prepared these two ways--crispy fried and oven baked. I liked the crispy fried but the kids liked the oven baked hands down.

INGREDIENTS

- 1 pkg extra firm tofu

- 1 funky metal cookie cutter

For Crispy Fried

Cut tofu into 1/4" thick slices, then stamp out shapes with cookie cutter. Toss tofu shapes in cornstarch then place on a plate or cutting board. Let tofu sit for a few mins to let the water from the tofu soak into the cornstarch and make a coating. Fry in oil over med-hi heat until golden brown.

For Oven Baked

INGREDIENTS

- 1/2 cup soy milk

- 1/2 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

- 1/2 tsp ground flax seed (optional)

- 1 tsp onion powder

- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 3/4 to 1 cup bread crumbs

METHOD

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with oil

Don Cherry would have approved of Tofu Night in Canada!What a great idea, and especially with Canada Day coming up, there are definitely some ideas stewing in my head involving your maple-leaf-shaped-tofu and red dye...hmmm... Where did you get the cookie cutter from?

I was toying with the idea of trying to get the tofu red, but figured it would end up looking pink and generally gross.

I am pretty sure I picked up the cookie cutter at a thrift store, but I can't remember. I don't think I have ever purchased a cookie cutter from anywhere but a thrift store, but I did notice that Bulk Barn has a very nice selection.

Im not Canadian or Vegan but I am trying to be healthier. Im actually making these for lunch today as an experiment for my kids and my daycare kids. So,.... 12 kids from 11 mo to 17 yrs,.. will be the test subjects today!Ill let you guys know how it goes. =-)